SupraGirlie Posted June 9, 2009 Share Posted June 9, 2009 Seem to be going for very little money, however I know nothing about them, couldn't afford the S2, so is the S1 any good? Is there only the one engine? Can it be tuned much? Better than a VX220? Did they make the S1 in orange? How easy would it be to get it to this Spec Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AJI Posted June 9, 2009 Share Posted June 9, 2009 S1's are very good and capable track car. Consumable parts are relatively cheap compared to most other dedicated track cars and they are indeed reliable if not modified. Tuning is not really cost effective on the S1 IMO. But then you don't really need to tune them if you are buying it for a track day car. (Its the braking, cornering and general handling where this car steps ahead). On the road however they were a little down on power when it comes to in-gear acceleration. S1 better than a VX220 turbo, no. Exige better than a VX220 turbo, yes. I've driven a number of S1 Elises on track and also the S2's... there is definitely an big evolution between the two, but the S1 is still a great trackday car. Although I would not buy one if I were to be using it on the road as an everyday machine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SupraGirlie Posted June 9, 2009 Author Share Posted June 9, 2009 S1's are very good and capable track car. Consumable parts are relatively cheap compared to most other dedicated track cars and they are indeed reliable if not modified. Tuning is not really cost effective on the S1 IMO. But then you don't really need to tune them if you are buying it for a track day car. (Its the braking, cornering and general handling where this car steps ahead). On the road however they were a little down on power when it comes to in-gear acceleration. S1 better than a VX220 turbo, no. Exige better than a VX220 turbo, yes. I've driven a number of S1 Elises on track and also the S2's... there is definitely an big evolution between the two, but the S1 is still a great trackday car. Although I would not buy one if I were to be using it on the road as an everyday machine. Thanks for the response, it wouldn't be a daily driver, just a weekend car, I wouldn't be going on a track with it though! I have also been looking at the VX220 turbo, heard they have very poor build quality though. I might just keep a look out for a cheap S2. Would an S1 or VX220 T be that much slower than my BPU sup? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wez Posted June 9, 2009 Share Posted June 9, 2009 S1 based on rover K series power plant and will need a head gasket at some point, we did my mates one not that long ago. S2 based on Toyota power plant and are much more reliable. I would love an Exige S260 as a track toy. EDIT: wrong jap make Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wez Posted June 9, 2009 Share Posted June 9, 2009 I might just keep a look out for a cheap S2. Would an S1 or VX220 T be that much slower than my BPU sup? Round a track in the right hands either could be quicker than a BPU, in a straight line on the roads a BPU would kill the elise, the vx220 turbo is pretty damn quick so not sure. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Raven Posted June 9, 2009 Share Posted June 9, 2009 When i sold the uk spec i tried a lotus elise s2 Horrid fit couldnt get in and out without looking like a prat , while inside was squashed to hell. Loved the ride and handling but couldnt live with it as a everyday car in any way. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SupraGirlie Posted June 9, 2009 Author Share Posted June 9, 2009 Round a track in the right hands either could be quicker than a BPU, in a straight line on the roads a BPU would kill the elise, the vx220 turbo is pretty damn quick so not sure. I guess I am not too bothered if it is a bit slower in a straight line, but is it as fun! I just love the boost and when the turbo kicks in, I wouldn't want to be bored if I got an Elise, I now have my eye on this one and it's only down the road!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Franko Posted June 9, 2009 Share Posted June 9, 2009 Isnt the S2 a Toyota VVTI? Always thought it was:search: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wez Posted June 9, 2009 Share Posted June 9, 2009 Isnt the S2 a Toyota VVTI? Always thought it was:search: You could be right, its Jap anyway Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Digsy Posted June 9, 2009 Share Posted June 9, 2009 Early S2's were K-series. Nowadays they are all Toyota 2ZZ's. There are also a few different flavours of K-series in the S1 Elises. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wez Posted June 9, 2009 Share Posted June 9, 2009 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steady_dave Posted June 9, 2009 Share Posted June 9, 2009 Head Gasket, that's all i'll say! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kill1308 Posted June 9, 2009 Share Posted June 9, 2009 I used to know of an S1 Elise with a Rover T-Series engine.... would make it very interesting I'd imagine. I think they are 200bhp standard, would be even better with a mild tune... http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rover_T-Series_engine Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wez Posted June 9, 2009 Share Posted June 9, 2009 I used to know of an S1 Elise with a Rover T-Series engine.... would make it very interesting I'd imagine. I think they are 200bhp standard, would be even better with a mild tune... http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rover_T-Series_engine I sold a Rover T16 dyno proven at 220hp on ebay for £250 Another rover lump with head gasket issues. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mplavery Posted June 9, 2009 Share Posted June 9, 2009 oooohhhh so thats why you want to sell the SUPRA LOL Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SupraGirlie Posted June 9, 2009 Author Share Posted June 9, 2009 oooohhhh so thats why you want to sell the SUPRA LOL Lol I really don't know, I got offered one in p/x so this is why I started looking in to them, not sure what to do to be honest! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kill1308 Posted June 9, 2009 Share Posted June 9, 2009 Is it going to be a daily driver? If so I'd make sure you like it's quirks first..... I spent a bit of time driving an S1 160 and it was great fun, but there's no way I could live with it as a daily. Very stiff ride and next to no equipment inside which is obviously to keep the weight down and is part and parcel of having an elise, minimalist light car with good power to weight. Also getting in and out was.....how shall I put it..... not exactly particularly elegant. I'm 6ft 4" which made it a little more difficult, but my friend who owned it found it pretty hard too (admittedly he's packing quite a bit of bodily insulation though ). I'd see if you can get hold of one for a decent test drive and see how you get on with it... but my bet is you wouldn't want to drive it every day. Each to their own though, some will be fine with it I'm sure, but to me it's a weekend car only. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JamesG Posted June 9, 2009 Share Posted June 9, 2009 In my last year of Supra ownership, I bought an S1 Elise as a fun weekend car. Sorry to say but I hardly ever drove the Supra after that (except on long journeys and to the supermarket!) My S1 had a couple of grand spent on the engine to bring it to 160bhp and it was an amazing car to drive. It broke down about 4 times in the time I had it and it was the most unreliable, badly-built car I've owned. It was totally worth it though I sold my Supra and the S1 to fund my S2 111S. Again, it's magical to drive - well balanced and really responsive. Mine is the last one with the Rover K-series engine and it's had head gasket failure amongst its many expensive bills. It's much easier to live with than the S1 as an everyday car though - which it what mine is. The elise isn't for everyone. If you drive it hard (as intended!) and don't mind the cost, unreliability and impracticality then go for it! my S1 and S2... http://www.13amp.org/misc/history_s1elise.jpg http://www.13amp.org/misc/history_s2elise.jpg Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ozz Posted November 15, 2009 Share Posted November 15, 2009 Anyone on here own/owned a S2 as a daily driver? I'm liking the comfort of my 330 but missing the raw performance of my zed. S2's can be had for 11-16k so seem like a decent option, I'd be looking at the 111r or s version. I'd be using it for daily driving, 40 mile return trip through half country lanes half motorway. I'm 6foot4 though and don't want a bone shaking ride. The mpg of 40-50mpg is tempting with a 0-60 of 4.8-5 seconds but has to be useable. The K series engine was a concern but we already have a MG ZR and apparantly as long as they warm up properly they'll be fine. Opinions? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete Posted November 15, 2009 Share Posted November 15, 2009 Head Gasket, that's all i'll say! Ok then, I'll elaborate. The K series used some horrible plastic location dowels between the head and block. Unsurprisingly this design led to the head moving a little causing HGF. The newer engines used metal ones to try to overcome this. There have been other issues in the Elise/MGF with something to do with thermostat location and cold water shock also causing issues. There are relocation kits you can buy to help avoid this. Have a read here - http://www.aronline.co.uk/index.htm?essaykseriesf.htm Basically most K series engines have met an early HGF and it's not such an easy job on a mid engined car. The Elise itself is very typical of Lotus. Light weight, good handling, enough power to suit as a balanced package. I think bad repairs of fibre glass tubs are one to watch out for. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dr_jekyll Posted November 15, 2009 Share Posted November 15, 2009 the cylinder liners tend to drop aswell , the engines are cr*p. id buy one with a nakerd motor cheap and put something like a 3sgte in it, then you would have something of true beuty. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete Posted November 15, 2009 Share Posted November 15, 2009 the cylinder liners tend to drop aswell , That's a slight myth apparently. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
j_jza80 Posted November 15, 2009 Share Posted November 15, 2009 The steering racks on S1s are a problem apparently, and an expensive fix. Don't be put off the K series because of it's head gasket woes. Otherwise it's a fantastic engine with one of the nicest four cylinder soundtracks They are also extremely light for a four pot, which is probably why Lotus used them ib the first place. Just make sure that the gasket is changed when you buy one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ozz Posted November 15, 2009 Share Posted November 15, 2009 From my research it appears the 111R I'd like has the Toyota engine so should be bullet proof :-) I need to test drive one, reviews are saying its more liveable than the S1 but still pretty raw. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DODGYDODDS Posted November 15, 2009 Share Posted November 15, 2009 If you were to get one, get one with shot motor if you can, and drop in a k20a civic type r motor. My friend has done this to his 111s, and that thing is a monster. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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